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New illustrated children's book tackles trachoma in the NT

Date posted: 25 June 2014

The result of a conversation between Fiona Stokes, the Trachoma Program Officer for The Fred Hollows Foundation in Alice Springs, and Visual Artist, Amanda McMillian, has led to the launch of Anngang Anitjakarta (Trachoma sore eyes story), in Ti Tree, about 200 kilometres north of Alice Springs.

Written by Hazel Presley, and illustrated by women Elders in Ti Tree, it tells the story of a little boy who had to stop playing football because his eyes were sore. After his mother takes him to a clinic, he is given medicine, learns how to wash his face, and goes on to live a healthy life - including endless games of football.

'The big problem is a lot of people aren’t even aware of trachoma in the first place and what causes it,' said Fiona. 'We thought if we did this ourselves, the reader might relate to it more,' she said. 'We thought it would have more meaning if it comes from someone within the community.'

'If this prevents kids from going blind from a horrible disease later in life, then we will be very happy with the results.'

Hazel Presley, the author of Anngang Anitjakarta, at the book's launch in Ti Tree, NT.Photograph by Grenville Turner.

Source: Fred Hollows Foundation news

Contacts

To buy copies of the book contact:Fiona StokesTrachoma Program OfficerPh: (08) 89 536 448